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Flood Resources

*Updated August 22, 2024 

We’re heartbroken to see the impacts from the devastating flooding that has affected so many of our Vermont communities this summer. We want all Vermonters to have the information they need to stay safe.


Presidential Disaster Declaration for July 9-11.  

On August 20, 2024, President Biden declared a major disaster for the flooding that occurred during July 9-11, 2024.  

This means that individuals impacted by Severe Storm, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides that occurred July 9-11, 2024, may be eligible for assistance in the following counties: 

Addison, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Lamoille, Orleans, and Washington.

FEMA Individual Assistance

The Individual Assistance program allows homeowners, renters, and other individuals impacted by the disaster to seek reimbursement for necessary expenses and serious needs that cannot be met through insurance or other forms of assistance. The declaration currently includes those living in Addison, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Lamoille, Orleans, and Washington Counties.  

  • 1-800-621 3362  

  • By downloading the FEMA App 


Understanding Your FEMA Letter 

  • Vermont residents who apply for assistance from FEMA for the July, 2024, severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides will receive a determination letter from FEMA. It may say you are ineligible for assistance, but that may not be a permanent denial. It may instead be a request for additional information or documentation. 

  • It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of assistance FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds. The letter will also explain your application status and advise what if any additional documentation/information is needed or what you need to do to appeal an unfavorable decision. 

  • Often, you need only send more information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue reviewing your application for financial assistance. 

  • If you have questions about your letter, call FEMA’s helpline at 800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. ET daily. 

  • If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, or the amount of assistance provided, you can submit an appeal letter and documents supporting your claim, such as a contractor’s estimate for home repairs. You have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to appeal the decision.

  • If you need assistance navigating the process, please reach out to our office. Our Vermont staff is here to help you interface with federal agencies.  


FEMA Public Assistance

FEMA Public Assistance has been approved for the following counties:  

Addison, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, and Washington Counties. 

Public Assistance provides supplemental grants to state, tribal, territorial, and local governments, and certain types of private non-profits so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. The Vermont League of Cities and Towns can help local government officials apply for FEMA Public Assistance. Our office also stands ready to assist with questions as they arise.  


Key State of Vermont Flood Resources

  • Reporting Damage and Obtaining Information: To report storm damage and get information on shelters and other resources, call 2-1-1 or visit https://vermont211.org/. Reporting damage can help your neighbors and communities obtain relief, even if you don’t feel you need assistance.  

  • Boil Water Advisories: Up-to-date water boil advisories are here. 

 

Mental Health Resources

Many Vermont communities are still eligible for mental health supports through the Starting Over Strong program. Visit the webpage to learn more or call 2-1-1 to get connected to services. 

Disaster Distress Help Line: 

9-8-8 National Mental Health crisis line 

  • Call 9-8-8 


Cleaning Up After a Flood

As Vermont awaits a determination on what federal resources will be made available for this disaster, the following information from FEMA may be helpful if you were impacted by flooding. They discuss how to begin your clean up, take proper safety measures before re-entering your home, and properly document the damage before cleaning up:  

Report any spills of hazardous materials (such as heating oil) that reached the ground or water so the Spills Program can help assess the situation and provide guidance and services for cleanup. 

To report a spill: 

  • Call 802-828-1138 during regular office hours (Monday through Friday from 7:45 am to 4:30 pm) OR 

  • Call 800-641-5005 anytime to reach the 24-Hour HAZMAT Hotline OR 

  • Call 800-424-8802 to reach the National Response Center if there are any impacts or potential impacts to surface waters. 

 

Resources for Families

The Centers for Disease Control created this resource to support children and teens navigating a disaster: 

If you get 3SquaresVT benefits and your food was damaged from a power outage or natural disaster like the flooding on July 10, 2024, you may be eligible to have some of your 3SquaresVT benefits restored. You will need to report the loss of food within 10 days of the loss/disaster either by phone, in-person or in writing. 

  • Call the Benefits Service Center: 1-800-479-6151. For relay services, dial 7-1-1. For interpretation services, dial 1-855-247-3092 

  • Visit or mail a report to your local district office. 

Business Resources:  The Small Business Association (SBA) Vermont District Office encourages small businesses to download a copy of the Vermont Small Business Development Center’s Disaster Recovery Guide for Business.  


Farm Resources

If you have sustained damage to your farm there are a number of ways to receive assistance including: 

  • Qualifying applicants must be Vermont farmers or food producers who have suffered a devastating loss due to an unexpected natural disaster that puts their farm or farming career in danger and covers buildings; animals; equipment; greenhouses; and hay fields. 

 

Below are informational videos regarding flood safety in 16 languages: 

English ( Closed Captions). https://youtu.be/uglF3z4nhqM